After the walled garden coming to the desktop operating system world, we're currently witnessing another potential nail in the coffin of the relatively open world of desktop and laptop computing. Microsoft has revealed [.pptx] that as part of its Windows 8 logo program, OEMs must implement UEFI secure boot. This could potentially complicate the installation of other operating systems, like Windows 7, XP, and Linux.

I'm confident hat most OEMs will provide an option in the BIOS to disable this, at least for desktops or laptops. I think competitive pressures will force them. Probably, some OEM's will initially, and some won't, requiring users to be check whether it's supported before purchase, but eventually all OEMs will add it.

I'm confident hat most OEMs will provide an option in the BIOS to disable this, at least for desktops or laptops.

And I'm confident OEMs will make you give up your warranty rights if you disable secure boot. This could be like HTC unlocking bootloaders on their devices but voiding your warranty if you choose to do so.

And I'm confident OEMs will make you give up your warranty rights if you disable secure boot. This could be like HTC unlocking bootloaders on their devices but voiding your warranty if you choose to do so.